Foot Hills in Provo in Utah County, Utah — The American Mountains (Southwest)
First Utah County Fair Held in Provo
One in a Series of Events from Provo's History
That changed in 1897 when newspapers announced that Provo would host the first Utah County Fair, the proceeds from which would be turned over to the Mutual Improvement Association. Benefit concerts and the proceeds from admission tickets financed the event.
Private contributors provided awards for winners in designated categories. The prizes included monetary awards, an umbrella, handkerchiefs, a gold thimble, books, a pen, and a box of “Gold Brick” cigars. Taylor Brothers Department Store offered a new bedroom set to a featured couple who would marry at the fair. John Halford, 58, and Mary Abbot, 48, became the lucky couple.
Officials chose Provo’s Z.C.M.I. Warehouse, then located on the northeast corner of what is now University Avenue and 600 South, as the site of the fair. Dancers attending the grand ball voted for the Queen of the Fair. They could vote for any girl on a list of candidates as many times as they wanted, but it cost them five cents per vote. The contest netted $128.00 and Miss Frona Burraston, who hailed from the “Land of Goshen,” became queen.
The week-long fair opened on October 11, 1897. Livestock, home manufactured goods, and locally grown fruits and vegetables entertained a sizable crowd. Exhibits by the Utah County Silk Association, Startup Candy, E.C. Hendricksen Pottery, and Denhalter soda pop were among the favorite exhibits. On the dark side, gravestones sold by Beesley Monument and a plush upholstered coffin manufactured by O.H. Berg and attracted visitors.
People flocked to activities like the stock parade, children’s parade, an old fashioned tea party, and horse, bicycle, and foot races. After expenses and proceeds were tallied, the fair committee announced the celebration had made a net profit of $307.48.
Erected by Rotary International and Provo Parks & Recreation. (Marker Number 30.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical date for this entry is October 11, 1897.
Location. 40° 14.78′ N, 111° 38.385′ W. Marker is in Provo, Utah, in Utah County. It is in Foot Hills. Marker is on North 1100 East, on the right when traveling south. Marker is located at Kiwanis Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1019 N 1100 E, Provo UT 84604, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Provo Hosted Utah’s Largest Trading Fair Between the Utes and Pioneers (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Y (approx. 0.7 miles away); Early Residents of Provo lacked Land Titles (approx. 0.8 miles away); Fire Destroys Brigham Young Academy Building (approx. 0.8 miles away); A Wheelbarrow Parade in 1888 Helped Bring Political Parties to Provo (approx. 0.8 miles away); Superintendent's Residence - Utah State Hospital (approx. 0.9 miles away); A Tragedy at the Site of the Provo Lime Kiln (approx. 0.9 miles away); Utah Territorial Insane Asylum Came to Provo in 1885 (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Provo.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 16, 2023, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 68 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 16, 2023, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.